Child Life Education Coordinator Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of education and child development, the role of a Child Life Education Coordinator is crucial and highly regarded.

As society evolves, so does our understanding of children’s needs and the importance of facilitating their growth and development. This leads to an increasing demand for skilled professionals who can design, implement, and manage child life education programs.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Child Life Education Coordinator?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the depth of this role,
• A hiring manager conceptualizing the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the realm of child life education,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Child Life Education Coordinator job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Child Life Education Coordinator Duties and Responsibilities

Child Life Education Coordinators work to facilitate the educational and emotional development of children in hospital settings.

They create educational programs and activities, provide emotional support, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure children’s needs are being met.

Child Life Education Coordinators are typically responsible for the following duties:

• Develop and implement child life programs to assist children and their families in understanding the hospital experience
• Assess children’s developmental and emotional needs and develop targeted interventions
• Educate children about their medical conditions and treatments in a way that is easy to understand
• Collaborate with medical staff to incorporate child life services into patient care plans
• Prepare children and families for medical procedures and surgeries, providing coping strategies and emotional support
• Provide individual and group therapeutic activities to help children express their feelings
• Facilitate communication between children, families, and medical staff
• Document and maintain records of children’s progress and responses to interventions
• Train and supervise child life volunteers and interns
• Advocate for the needs of children and families within the healthcare system

 

Child Life Education Coordinator Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Child Life Education Coordinator to create and implement educational and recreational activities for children in our care.

The successful candidate will be responsible for assessing children’s developmental needs, planning age-appropriate activities and interventions, and coordinating with healthcare providers and parents to support children’s overall well-being.

 

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee the operation of Child Life programs and services.
• Assess the needs of children and families to provide appropriate educational and therapeutic interventions.
• Develop and implement educational and recreational activities that promote children’s well-being, reduce fear, and facilitate understanding of medical procedures.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare team to provide comprehensive care and education to patients and their families.
• Provide crisis intervention and emotional support to patients and their families.
• Train and supervise volunteers and interns involved in the Child Life program.
• Document patient interactions, progress, and outcomes.
• Participate in rounds, meetings, and professional development activities.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, or related field.
• Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential.
• Previous experience working with children in a healthcare or educational setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and age-appropriate interventions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and manage time effectively.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Child Life Education Coordinator
• Work Environment: This position is based in a healthcare environment, often dealing with serious or sensitive health issues. The role may require work during weekends and holidays.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Child Life Services Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Child Life Education Coordinator Do?

Child Life Education Coordinators are specialized professionals who usually work in healthcare settings such as hospitals or clinics.

They play a vital role in supporting children and their families facing various medical challenges.

Their main goal is to promote effective coping through play, self-expression activities, and age-appropriate medical preparation and education.

They design and implement educational and therapeutic programs for children to help them understand and manage their illness, treatment, and hospital experiences.

This often includes creating strategies to alleviate fears and anxieties associated with medical procedures.

Child Life Education Coordinators also act as a crucial link between healthcare providers and families, offering guidance on how to discuss medical conditions and treatment plans with children in a way they can comprehend.

Moreover, they provide emotional support to families and siblings of the pediatric patients, helping them navigate through the challenging circumstances.

Their role may also involve training and supervising volunteers or staff members who interact with children within the healthcare setting.

In addition, they may lead or contribute to research to enhance the practice of child life.

 

Child Life Education Coordinator Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Child Life Education Coordinator should possess the following skills and qualifications:

• Thorough understanding of child development and educational methodologies.
• Experience in educational program planning and implementation to provide educational services that meet the needs of children.
• Strong communication skills to effectively coordinate with teachers, parents, and other staff, and to explain complex situations to children in an age-appropriate manner.
• Interpersonal skills to interact with children of various ages and backgrounds, and to build effective relationships with their families.
• Knowledge of therapeutic play techniques and ability to implement them in educational settings.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage multiple tasks and responsibilities, and ensure smooth operation of educational programs.
• Problem-solving skills to address potential challenges or issues in the educational setting.
• Ability to respond sensitively and empathetically to children and families in potentially stressful situations.
• Proficiency in record keeping and data management, to track the progress of each child and the success of educational programs.

 

Child Life Education Coordinator Experience Requirements

Child Life Education Coordinators often start their careers with a bachelor’s degree in child development, psychology, or a related field.

Practical experience in child-centered environments, such as schools, daycare centers, or pediatric units, can be beneficial.

For entry-level positions, around 1-2 years of experience working directly with children, particularly those facing medical challenges, is typically required.

This experience could be gained through internships, volunteering or part-time roles in hospitals or child care settings.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience have generally honed their skills in child life programming, family support, and child development.

They may also have experience in coordinating and supervising child life activities.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often seasoned professionals who have developed strong leadership skills and administrative expertise.

They may have experience in overseeing a team, managing budgets, and developing child life education programs.

Additionally, certifications such as the Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS) credential is often a requirement and demonstrates a significant level of professional achievement and competence in this field.

 

Child Life Education Coordinator Education and Training Requirements

Child Life Education Coordinators typically need a bachelor’s degree in Child Life, Child Development, Psychology, or a related field.

They are also required to complete an internship or clinical training specifically in child life services, which prepares them to work with children and families in a healthcare setting.

Following their education, individuals must pass the Child Life Professional Certification Examination to become a Certified Child Life Specialist.

In addition to these basic requirements, some hospitals or healthcare settings may prefer Child Life Education Coordinators with a master’s degree in a related field or those who have obtained specialist certifications such as in pediatric care.

Experience working with children, whether through previous job roles or volunteer work, is highly regarded in this field.

Continued professional development is important for Child Life Education Coordinators to stay updated with the latest techniques and approaches in child psychology and education.

As such, they may pursue additional courses, certifications, or training programs throughout their careers.

 

Child Life Education Coordinator Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Child Life Education Coordinator is $51,600 (USD) per year.

However, the compensation can vary widely based on factors such as the level of experience, education, and the geographical location of the job.

 

Child Life Education Coordinator Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Child Life Education Coordinator need?

Child Life Education Coordinators should possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with children, their families, and the healthcare team.

They should have a thorough understanding of child development and be able to apply this knowledge in a healthcare setting.

They should also be able to create and implement educational and therapeutic programs for children and their families.

 

Do Child Life Education Coordinators need a degree?

Yes, Child Life Education Coordinators typically need a bachelor’s degree in child life, child development, or a related field.

They also need to be certified by the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Some roles may require a master’s degree and additional years of relevant experience in a healthcare setting.

 

What should you look for in a Child Life Education Coordinator resume?

A resume for this role should indicate a strong background in child development and experience in a healthcare or hospital setting.

The candidate should have a certification from the Association of Child Life Professionals.

Additionally, look for evidence of strong communication skills, leadership, and the ability to work in a team.

Experience in planning and implementing educational and therapeutic programs for children and families is also important.

 

What qualities make a good Child Life Education Coordinator?

A good Child Life Education Coordinator is compassionate, patient, and understanding.

They are adept at communicating with children of various age groups and can make complex medical information understandable for them.

They are creative in their approach to education and therapy, able to devise engaging ways to help children cope with their healthcare experiences.

Good problem-solving abilities and the capacity to work well under pressure are also crucial qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire a Child Life Education Coordinator?

Hiring a Child Life Education Coordinator can be challenging due to the specific skill set and qualifications required for the role.

It is essential to find someone with the right educational background, certification, and experience working with children in a healthcare environment.

The ability to handle stressful situations and communicate effectively with children and their families is also crucial.

Therefore, thorough screening and interviewing are necessary to find the right candidate.

 

Conclusion

So there you have it.

Today, we’ve unveiled the essence of what it means to be a Child Life Education Coordinator.

And guess what?

It’s not just about developing educational programs for children.

It’s about shaping the future, one child at a time.

With our ready-made Child Life Education Coordinator job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to creating precise job listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every child you educate contributes to a brighter future.

Let’s create that future. Together.

How to Become a Child Life Education Coordinator (Complete Guide)

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